The Association Of Accredited Auctioneers To Mount Second Auction In ChinaThe Association of Accredited Auctioneers (AAA), representing 20 leading UK fine art and antiques auctioneers, are to hold a second sale in China. Offering items originating exclusively from UK, it wi

THE ASSOCIATION OF ACCREDITED AUCTIONEERS
TO MOUNT SECOND AUCTION IN CHINA

Sale of Silver, Clocks and Objects of Vertu is first of its type in Beijing

The Association of Accredited Auctioneers (AAA), representing 20 leading UK fine art and antiques auctioneers, are to hold a second sale in China. Offering items originating exclusively from UK, it will be the first of its type ever held in Beijing.

The sale, at Beijing’s International Landmark Hotel in Chaoyang District on Sunday 22nd December 2013, follows April’s historic first sale in China’s Xiamen Free Port Zone by members of AAA, which raised over £1.5 million.

Comprising antique European silver, clocks and objects of vertu, the sale is the initiative of AAA member Stephan Ludwig, Executive Chairman of Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions, who has negotiated the terms of a new strategic alliance with Infinity Auctions Beijing. Infinity will conduct the auction, while AAA’s partner, EpaiLive Auction Co. Ltd, the only online live bidding portal of its kind in China, will promote the event to more than 100,000 of their registered high net worth users throughout Asia.

Every item sold in this auction under the AAA banner will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing the item’s age and catalogue description, confirming the normal assurances that AAA’s auctioneers give to buyers in the UK and world-wide. AAA have been assisted with the contractual complexities surrounding this auction by the Beijing office of leading international law firm Simmons & Simmons who have considerable experience in advising consignors of luxury goods into the Chinese market.
AAA Chairman Chris Ewbank welcomed the new initiative. He said: “AAA is again making Chinese auction history with this ground-breaking venture in China’s political and cultural capital. I believe this second auction will allow still more Chinese collectors to experience the charm of Western objects, and better understand the UK auction industry’s exceptionally high standards of practice, whilst further promoting East-West cultural exchange.”
Stephan Ludwig said: “We learnt a great deal from our first sale of Western Antiques in Xiamen in April, when silver was in great demand. It occupies a particular place in Chinese culture and it is not surprising that antique English silver should prove so popular with Chinese collectors. Aside from the aesthetic qualities of individual pieces, the overall field offers all the hallmarks of an interesting collecting genre, including easily researched provenance as to maker, city of origin and date of creation.”
Commenting on the new strategic alliance, Mr. Wang Aiwu, Managing Director of Infinity Auctions Beijing said: “We are very happy that Infinity Auctions Beijing could have this opportunity, with the assistance of EpaiLive Auction Co. Ltd and AAA, to present these Western treasures to Chinese collectors. We are looking forward to this collaboration.”
Celebrations leading up to the event will include a VIP Opening at the British Ambassador’s Beijing residence on Wednesday 18th December and a range of academic and instructive lectures and discussions in Beijing